New York Ellis Island Hard Hat Tour
One ticket. Two iconic landmarks. Exclusive access to Ellis Island's Hospital Complex.
Enjoy round-trip ferry service from Battery Park in New York, visit Liberty Island and Ellis Island, explore two world-class museums, and discover the history, stories, and views that have inspired generations.
In addition to everything included with General Admission, the fully guided Hard Hat Tour takes you beyond the public areas of Ellis Island and into the unrestored hospital complex. Explore spaces few visitors ever see—including former hospital wards, treatment rooms, and corridors—and hear the powerful stories of the immigrants who passed through these historic buildings.
Statue City Cruises is the only authorized provider for tickets and access to Liberty Island and Ellis Island.
Starting at
$81
Starting at
$81
Enjoy your visit with:
- Priority entry into the Screening Facility Queue saves you wait time at the departure point.
- Round trip ferry service to Liberty Island (Statue of Liberty) and Ellis Island (Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration).
- Access to the grounds of Liberty Island and Ellis Island.
- Statue of Liberty Museum includes three interactive galleries that tell the Statue of Liberty National Monument history.
- Audio Tours of Liberty and Ellis Island are included.
- 'Unframed - Ellis Island," Art Exhibit by renowned French artist JR on display throughout the hospital complex with installations on 16 interior walls.
How to get there?
New York City
New York
United States
Castle Clinton at Battery Park
New York, NY 10004
- Battery Park is the departure point from New York. The ticket office is located within the Castle Clinton National Monument in Battery Park.
- The Security Screening Facility and ferry departure are located behind Castle Clinton, on the waterfront side of Battery Park.
- Easy access via public transportation, including major subway lines and bus routes.
- We recommend that you include ample time and maintain a flexible schedule to include boarding the ferry and clearing the Screening Facility.
Additional Information
- Your selected time is your entry into the Security Facility and NOT the Hard Hat Tour start time on Ellis Island.
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before to allow ample time for security screening and boarding. Entry to security screening or boarding wait times can range from little to no wait to over one hour during peak seasons, holidays, and other high-demand periods.
- When choosing your time, this is your entry into the Security Facility and not the Hard Hat Tour start time on Ellis Island. The wait time can be several hours, particularly during peak season, including summer, weekends, and holidays.
Hard Hat Tour Time Reference
- Security Check-in (Ticket Time): 9:00 AM | Hard Hat Tour Start Time: 11:30 AM
- Security Check-in (Ticket Time): 10:00 AM | Hard Hat Tour Start Time: 12:30 PM
- Security Check-in (Ticket Time): 11:00 AM | Hard Hat Tour Start Time: 1:30 PM
For more information, visit the Departure Schedule.
- This experience is for ages 13+.
- The tour is approximately 90 minutes and 1.5 miles long.
- Airport-style screening is required before boarding. No restricted or oversized items.
- There are no locker storage areas at the screening facilities at the departure points.
- The historic buildings have many open rooms, with no air conditioning and no heat. Tour participants are strongly encouraged to wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes.
- Ellis Island’s south side buildings are over 100 years old and have not yet been restored or updated to current standards. The tour is inaccessible for people using walkers, wheelchairs, powered scooters or those with significant mobility issues.
- AVOID TICKET SCAMMERS. Please be aware that the Ticket Scammers along the perimeter of Battery Park do NOT sell genuine Statue of Liberty tickets. If someone approaches you claiming tickets are unavailable, sold out, or that the ticket booths are closed, proceed directly to Castle Clinton for official information.
Refunds will be provided if cancellations are made 24 hours prior to visit date. Refunds will also be provided if the islands are closed for security, safety or weather reasons. Unused tickets will not be refunded.
Please watch this video before your Hard Hat Tour. It contains important information from Save Ellis Island about check-in times, tour guidelines, and what to expect during your visit to Ellis Island’s South Side hospital complex.